AGARTALA: Book lovers in Agartala have responded enthusiastically to this year’s fair themed “Vande Mataram,” driving sales to Rs 54.05 lakh in just five days, a notable increase over the Rs 51.53 lakh recorded during the first five days of last year’s event.
According to official figures from the 44th Agartala Book Fair being held at the Hapania International Fair Ground, the event opened with Rs 3.85 lakh in sales on the first day. The momentum built steadily with the second day recording Rs 9.57 lakh, followed by a remarkable Rs 19.97 lakh on the third day. However, the fourth day witnessed sales of Rs 9.55 lakh, while the fifth day recorded Rs 11.09 lakh, bringing the five-day total to Rs 54.05 lakh.
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It is learned that the current year’s performance represents a growth of Rs 2.52 lakh, marking approximately 4.9% increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, the fair’s success has been attributed to a diverse range of cultural and literary programs that have drawn larger crowds to the venue.
According to organizers, the event has hosted poetry symposiums featuring poets reciting works in Bengali, Manipuri and Kokborok languages. Moreover, discussion sessions have covered prominent literary figures including Jibanananda Das and Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, as well as contemporary topics addressing child marriage prevention, cyber crime awareness and memory development. Multiple publishers have utilized the platform to release over 100 titles in Bengali, Kokborok and English during the opening days.
It is learned that today marked the sixth day (January 7) of the fair, with cultural performances by artists from Khowai district drawing enthusiastic crowds. However, the highlight was a discussion session titled “Little Magazines in Tripura and Literary Consciousness of Young Generation” conducted with participation from noted writers Nakul Roy, Sandeep Deb, Bijan Bose and Indrani Saha.
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According to fair officials, a memory development discussion session was moderated by Animesh Majumder, while poets from Dhalai and West Tripura districts presented their compositions at the poetry symposium. Moreover, Feni Publications from Manu launched 18 new books during the program, marking one of the significant releases at this year’s fair.